NBA moves closer to anti-tanking measures with drastic change to draft lottery odds
The NBA is advancing a proposal to reform its draft lottery system by expanding it to 16 teams and flattening the odds to discourage tanking. Under the '3-2-1 Lottery' plan, the three worst teams would see their chances of landing the No. 1 pick reduced from 14% to 5.4% and could fall as low as 12th overall. The proposal aims to incentivize competitiveness by rewarding teams that narrowly miss the playoffs or play-in games. The final decision awaits a vote by the Board of Governors expected next month.
- ▪The proposed '3-2-1 Lottery' system would expand the draft lottery to 16 teams, including those that lose in the play-in tournament.
- ▪Teams with the three worst records would have their lottery odds cut to 5.4% and could drop to 12th, down from the current guaranteed top-seven protection.
- ▪Seven non-playoff teams not among the three worst would each have an 8.1% chance at the No. 1 pick, the highest odds under the new system.
- ▪The NBA would gain expanded authority to penalize tanking, including adjusting draft odds or positions.
- ▪The plan includes restrictions on consecutive high picks and sunsets after the 2029 draft unless renewed by owners.
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